Husk Research Articles

Pemanfaatan Jeroan Ikan Dengan Limbah Kulit Jagung Sebagai Pakan Alternatif Ikan Lele

The demand for freshwater consumption fish, especially catfish, is so fast that the aquaculture sector needs to be increased again. The supporting factor in the success of aquaculture is feed, where feed for catfish cultivation on Timor Island, NTT is still much more expensive than on the island of Java, this is an inhibiting factor for the success of cultivation on Timor Island. These problems can be overcome by making independent feed. The purpose of this activity is to determine the potential of local raw materials or waste in Timor Island as raw materials for making fish feed. The method used is a descriptive method where research describes the phenomenon or individual characteristics, the situation accurately in a certain group. Based on the results obtained that the waste on the island of Timor, namely fish offal and corn husks can be used as raw materials for making feed and has a fairly good buoyancy shown by being able to float for more than 5 minutes.

Producing aromatic amino acid from corn husk by using polyols as intermediates

Agricultural biomass remains as one of the commonly found waste on Earth. Although valorisation of these wastes has been studied in detail, the fermentation-based processes still need improvement due to the high cost of hydrolysing enzymes, and the presence of growth inhibitors which constrains the fermentation to produce high-value products. To address these challenges, we developed an integrated process in this study combining abiotic- and bio-catalysis to produce l-tyrosine from corn husk. The first step involved a one-pot hydrolytic hydrogenation tandem reaction without the use of the expensive enzymes, which yielded a mixture of polyols and sugars. Without any purification, these crude hydrolysates can be almost completely utilized by an engineered Escherichia coli strain, which did not exhibit any growth inhibition. The strain produced 0.44 g/L l-tyrosine from 10 g/L crude corn husk hydrolysates, demonstrating the feasibility of converting agricultural biomass into a valuable aromatic amino acid via an integrated process.

Corn Husk as Anionic Surfactant Biosorbent in Detergent Waste

Corn Husk contains cellulose which has potential to become a biosorbent of anionic surfactant. This research aimed to know the optimum mass of corn husk biosorbent to reduce the amount of anionic surfactant in detergent waste and knew the characteristic of the biosorbent pores by using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). This research used activation method by using NaOH 5 % for 90 minutes, and used mass variation 28 gr, 32 gr, 36 gr. The amount of anionic surfactant was determined with MBAS method. The result of SEM showed that the diameter of the biosorbent pores got larger after being activated from 2.12 nm to 3.41 nm. This experiment showed that activation had removed lignin which was bound to cellulose. The optimum mass of biosorbent was 32 gr which had reduced the amount of anionic surfactant from 92.8 mg/l to 77.9 mg/l with maximum adsorption capacity 0.1862 mg/g.

A novel long-term water absorption and thickness swelling deep learning forecast method for corn husk fiber-polypropylene composite

Investigating long-term water absorption (WA) and thickness swelling (TS) behaviors of wood plastic composites demand long working hours and high laboratory costs. However, using artificial intelligence methods, these behaviors can be predicted in far less time and with a low degree of error. This paper aims to predict the long-term WA and TS behaviors of a cornhusk fiber (CHF) propylene (PP) composite using the deep learning field’s long short-term memory (LSTM) method. We assessed the network LSTM performance based on mean square error (MSE), root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). The experimental tests of WA and TS behaviors were performed on a CHF/PP composite using three different filler percentages over a period of 0–1500 h. The predictions were carried out for 200, 400, 600, 800, and 1000 h to construct a database to identify how many hours of training data are required to meet a MAPE criterion of 2% between the actual and predicted data. The results show that 200 h of training data is adequate for the LSTM method to achieve this MAPE metric. Furthermore, the metrics results validate the applicability of the proposed method. All the manufacturing metrics and codes are attached.

Differential Scanning Calorimetry Analysis of Untreated and Treated Poly (Lactic Acid)/Guinea Corn (Sorghum bicolor) Husk Particulate Bio-Composites

Differential Scanning Calorimetry Analysis of Untreated and Treated Poly (Lactic Acid)/Guinea Corn (Sorghum bicolor) Husk Particulate Bio-Composites

The Production of Second-generation Bioethanol from Lignocellulosic Biomass using Two Strains of Sacharomyces cerevisiae

Concerns about first generation bioethanol's impact on the food chain and biodiversity have shifted research to second generation (2G) bioethanol technologies. The 2G-bioethanol is made from lignocellulosic biomass, which is more sustainable and does not harm food security or the environment. This production process uses non-food crops, food crop residues, wood or food wastes, such as wood chips, skins, or pulp from fruit pressing. The present study examines the bioethanol production potential of three lignocellulosic biomass residues: corn cob, corn husk, and corn stem, as well as their physiochemical and mineral composition before and after fermentation. Before fermentation, the corn waste samples were hydrolyzed into sugar monomer and the hydrolysate was fermented separately to produce bioethanol for five days at 282oC using two Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains: typed yeast ATCC 3585 and Baker's yeast ATCC 204508/S288c. At one-day intervals, the pH, simple sugar and ethanol production were measured. ANOVA was used to find significant differences between the investigated organisms. The results showed that Saccharomyces cerevisiae ATCC 35858 produces more ethanol than the other strain (20.25±0.63). Corn cob also produced more ethanol than stem and husk. During fermentation, the typed yeasts outperformed the Baker's yeast in pH, reducing sugar, and specific gravity. Average dry yeast cell mass (ADM) of Saccharomyces cerevisiae ATCC 35858 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae ATCC 204508/S288c were 1.82±0.07 and 1.98±0.03, respectively. According to proximate composition, fermentation lost over 50% of the corn waste's nutrients (ash), while recovering over 50% of the minerals (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium). The ability of the two Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains to produce bioethanol was not significantly different at p value ≤ 0.05.

Manufacturing and Testing of Mulch Sheet from Agricultural Waste Raw Materials

This study aims to make sheet organic mulch from several agricultural wastes and determine the best type of material for making sheet organic mulch. This research was carried out at the Greenhouse of the Faculty of Agriculture and the Laboratory of Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Samudra University, Langsa City, Aceh Province which took place from February to April 2021.This study used a non-factorial completely randomized design (CRD) with four replications and used several agricultural waste materials consisting of bagasse, water hyacinth, rice straw, corn husks, banana fronds, coconut fiber and empty fruit bunches of oil palm. The raw materials used are agricultural waste 2.4 Kg and NaOH 0.168 Kg. The parameters observed in this study were water absorption, mulch moisture content and mulch yield.The results showed that the type of agricultural waste had a very significant effect on the sheet mulch produced. For water absorption parameters, raw material from bagasse (M1) is the best treatment. As for the water content parameter, the best treatment was found in Coconut Coir (M6) while the best treatment for the mulch yield parameter was found in Rice Straw (M3) agricultural waste.Based on the results of the study, to produce the best sheet mulch, it is recommended to use agricultural waste material from rice straw (M3).  

Extraction and Characterization of Fibers from Corn Husk

ABSTRACT In the present research, corn husk fibers were extracted by chemical method using sodium hydroxide followed by acid treatment. The objective was to obtain easily twistable, soft and fine fibers. The extracted fibers were characterized in terms of their physical properties. Thermo-gravimetric analysis was also preformed to assess the effect of acid treatment on the fiber thermal properties. It was found that, alkali treatment yields 26–28% fibers on the weight of husk treated. Acid treatment with Sulfuric acid removes impurities such as hemi-cellulose and lignin and is directly related to acid concentration. Acid treatment reduces fiber length, but however, a milder treatment results in a longer fiber length distribution. The linear density of alkali treated fibers reduces from 61 dtex to 30 dtex after the acid treatment. In addition, acid treatment also results in reduction of moisture regain from 13.5% to 11.75%. The alkali treated fibers show a tenacity value of 16.2 cN/Tex and this value reduces after the acid treatment. Interestingly, the fibers treated with acid at 7.5gpl concentration exhibit a highest value of 18.1 cN/Tex and this value reduces further to 12.5cN/Tex as the acid concentration increases. Acid treatment results in more thermally stable fibers.

Statistically optimized adsorption of Pb(II) ion on Corn Husk activated carbon – An application of Response Surface Method

In this study, the Response Surface Method statistically optimized Pb(II) adsorption on activated carbon prepared using corn husk. The full central composite design was the statistical method selected for optimization using adsorption capacity as a response factor. The quadratic model best explained the process. Adsorption parameters optimized were solution pH, contact time, temperature, and adsorbent dose. The respective optimum values were 4.5, 64 min, 50°C, and 0.4 g L-1. Adsorption isotherm and kinetics studies evaluated the data obtained at different temperatures using different isotherm and kinetics models. The non-linear curve fitting method determined the model with the best fit. Freundlich’s model best accommodated the isotherm data, whereas the pseudo-second-order kinetic model best modeled the kinetics data. Weber-Morris intraparticle diffusion model revealed the existence of multiple rate-controlling processes. The activation energy for the adsorption of Pb(II) ions was 30.17 kJ mol-1. The thermodynamics studies showed that the process was an entropy-driven endothermic process. Gibb’s free energy (ΔG) values were negative at the studied temperatures, and the spontaneity increased with the increase in temperature. The enthalpy (ΔH) and entropy change (ΔS) was 43.78 kJ mol-1 and 154.2 J mol K-1. The study concluded that the statistical method simplified the optimization of the adsorption process and produced an efficient adsorbent from corn husk.

Cobalt/three-dimensional carbon/reduced graphene oxide modified PP separator for Li-S batteries

In this work, a composite of cobalt metal nanoparticles/three-dimensional carbon/reduced graphene oxide (Co-3DC-rGO) was synthesized using corn husk, ZIF-67, and graphene oxide as precursors. The Co-3DC-rGO was used to modify commercial PP to prepare the Co-3DC-rGO/PP separator. The performance of Co-3DC-rGO/PP separator was evaluated in lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs). SEM images exhibited that a three-dimensional carbon (3DC) skeleton was obtained by corn husk transformation, and the ZIF-67-derived cobalt-decorated carbon dodecahedrons were homogeneously filled into the hierarchical pores of the 3DC structure. TEM images displayed that Co metal nanoparticles can escape from ZIF-67 and scatter on the rGO nano-sheets and 3DC skeleton. Benefitting from the synergy effects of the 3D carbon skeleton, rGO, and Co metal nanoparticles, the electrochemical performance of LSBs with Co-3DC-rGO/PP separator is better than LSBs with commercial PP separator. When tested at 1C, the LSB with Co-3DC-rGO/PP separator presents a high stable reversible capacity of 516.3 mA h g −1 after 500 cycles. This research provides new ideas for the preparation of LSBs separator. • Co/3D carbon/rGO decorated PP separator was prepared and used in Li-S batteries. • Co/3D carbon/rGO can inhibit the shuttle of lithium polysulfides to the Li anode. • Co/3D carbon/rGO accelerate the conversion of lithium polysulfides to Li2S. • The Li-S battery with Co/3DC/rGO/PP separator delivers excellent electrochemical performance.

Bioadsorben Campuran Kulit dan Tongkol Jagung untuk Menurunkan Kadar BOD Limbah Batik

Liquid waste from batik industry often causes environmental problems, because there is a pollutant content of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD). Corn cobs and husks contain high cellulose which has the potential to become activated carbon. This study aims to analyze the bioadsorbent mixture of cobs and corn husks in reducing BOD levels in batik wastewater. This type of research is pre-experimental, the research design is One Group Pretest Posttest Design. Variations in the mass of bioadsorbent mixture of corn cobs and husks with a ratio of (70:30), (60:40) and (50:50) contact time for 2.5 hours in 500 ml of batik liquid waste. Measurement of BOD levels was carried out after treatment. Data analysis using ANOVA test. The highest percentage of decrease in BOD levels after treatment was in the mass variation of 38 gr: 25 gr (60:40) 81.79% and the decrease value was 9243 mg/L. BOD levels before treatment using a mixture of cob and corn husk bioadsorbent were 11300 mg/L and after treatment it was 2057 mg/L which means that there is 1 pair of variations in the mass of the mixture of corn cobs and husks in reducing the average different BOD content in batik wastewater. Bioadsorbent mixture of cobs and corn husks can reduce BOD levels in batik wastewater

Evolution of agricultural wastes for the cultivation of edible mushroom Pleurotus eryngii

This research studies the possible use of some of Iraq's local agricultural wastes as growth substrates for producing the edible oyster mushroom (Pleurotus eryngii). The biological process of growing and producing edible mushrooms is a bioconversion of organic wastes to bioprotein (mycoprotein). Therefore, this study aims to investigate nine different substrates from plant residues. The three primary substrates are typical viz date palm waste (Phoenix dactylifera), maize cob (Zea mays) and cane (Phragmites communis), with two types of additional enrichment, i.e., rice husks (Oryza sativa) and corn seeds husks (Zea mays), and without further enrichment (control). The experiment was randomly distributed according to Randomized Complete Design (RCD), with three replicates. The less crop cycle period (day) which in Treatments T7 and T8 (30.33, 31.67 days) when T2 (100%Corncobs), T1 (100%Waste of Date palm), T7 (80%Waste of the date palm with 20%Corn husks) and T8 (80% Corncobs with 20%Corn husks) provide the crest mushrooms yield arrived 293.0 280.7, 268.7 and 264.0 g kg-1 substrate respectively. Keywords. Bio protein; lignocelluloses; Mushroom substrates; Oyster mushrooms

Substrates for mushroom, enzyme and metabolites production: A review

The agri-food industry produces a large quantity and variety of foods that are the basis of diet for humans in the world, generating waste with a high content of compounds such as lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose that are difficult to degrade. There are chemical methodologies for the partial degradation of agro-industrial waste, but it carries a possibly greater risk of environmental contamination by the chemicals used for such purposes, so natural alternatives are sought for its degradation and obtain an economic and sustainable benefit for its use through mushroom cultivation. Mushroom production can be carried out using macrofungi that are edible, have medicine value also enzyme or metabolite-producing. Waste such as sunflower seed husk, peanut husk, corn husks, potato husk, coffee husk, cocoa husk, bean shell, pea shell, sawdust from different woods, cob and stubble of corn, oat stubble, tomato stubble, sorghum stubble, straw from various cereals, wheat bran, rice bran, cotton stalks, sugarcane bagasse, tequila agave waste, quinoa waste, coconut and banana wastes, dehydrated jicama, almond leaves, among others, are used as a substrate for the cultivation of mushrooms, which have been used alone or in mixtures, seeking to increase the production of carpophores or their metabolites and enzymes.

Facile preparation of amine -functionalized corn husk derived activated carbon for effective removal of selected heavy metals from battery recycling wastewater

In this work, an efficient and eco-friendly amine functionalized corn husk derived activated carbon with high adsorption capacity was prepared and utilized for Pb (II), Cu(II) and Ni(II) ions removal from battery recycling wastewater. The developed adsorbent was characterized to determine the surface morphology, elemental composition, surface chemistry and surface area using SEM/EDS, FTIR and BET techniques. The BET surface area of the corn husk (CH) and amine-functionalized corn husk activated carbon (AF-CHAC) was found to be 92.11 and 442.70 m2/g, respectively. The effect of adsorption variables which includes temperature, pH, contact time, and adsorbent dosage on uptake behaviour were all examined. Langmuir, Freundlich, Harkin-Jura, Elovich, and D–R isotherm models were fitted to the adsorption data. The adsorption of Pb (II), Cu(II), and Ni (II) ions followed a pseudo-second order kinetic and fit well to the Freundlich isotherm, indicating multi-layer adsorption and chemisorption. The maximum adsorption capacity of Pb(II), Cu(II), and Ni(II) ions, was 2.814, 0.724, and 0.337 mg/g, respectively. According to the thermodynamic parameter values, the adsorption process was spontaneous, exothermic, and physical in nature, with an increase in randomness at the adsorbates-adsorbent interaction. The desorption and reusability experiments revealed that the AF-CHAC has a greater potential as an adsorbent, with a removal efficiency of 99 % after three cycles. Overall, the prepared amine functionalized corn husk derived activated carbon has advantages such as ease of preparation, cost effectiveness, and excellent recyclability, as well as high adsorption capacity, providing a new approach for efficiently treating battery recycling wastewater contaminated with heavy metal ions.

Characteristics of Synthesized Copper Oxide (CuO) Nanoparticles using Maize Husks: A Green Chemistry Approach

Nanoparticles of a transitional metal oxide such as Copper (II) oxide or cupric oxide have gained considerable interest in the research and development community due to the corresponding conventional materials' extremely different characteristics. Hence, this study aimed at characterizing Copper (II) oxide nanoparticles synthesized through a direct green chemical approach using the outer leafy cover of the maize husk. The fresh maize husk's optical absorption spectrum shows broad peaks that were cantered around 209, 241, and 331 nm, which are the characteristic of flavonoids. The structural analysis shows the formation of Nantokite with a face-centered crystal structure, which has crystalline peaks (111), (220), (311), and (331) at 2θ = 28.5, 47.4, 56.28, and 76.6, respectively. In contrast, the spectrum of Copper (II) oxide showed a base-centred monoclinic crystal structure with lattice parameters: a= 4.688, b = 3.4229, c = 5.1319 and β = 99.91. In conclusion, nanoparticles' synthesis using aqueous corn husk extract was successfully synthesized and characterized. This environmentally friendly approach is a simple, environmentally friendly, inexpensive process and is reproducible.

Effect of different building façade systems on thermal comfort and urban heat island phenomenon: An experimental analysis

This study experimentally investigates the effect of different façades systems on thermal comfort and urban heat island (UHI) phenomenon by using experimental tools. Outdoor field measurements are conducted for brick, concrete, low-E glass, aluminium composite panel (ACP), and clear glass to observe the effect of morning solar exposure on the east-west façade surface temperatures. Two different types of insulation materials, namely newspaper and corn husk mat, are also manufactured and considered. Then, laboratory experiments are performed with 1 m × 1 m panel under two 1000 W halogen lamps by measuring air, surface and material temperatures using a thermocouples data-logger with a recording interval of 5 min and IR thermovision for visual confirming. The lamps simulate solar exposure during morning (8.00 a.m.–12.00 p.m.). It is noted that the brick wall stores heat during solar exposure, and then emits that heat to indoor and outdoor environments. Additional ACP to the brick wall reduces indoor air temperature significantly whereas direct impact on the outdoor temperature should also be accounted to avoid UHI. Besides, insulation material is found to be only beneficial during heating period in terms of reducing the indoor air temperature, however it slightly incremented the outdoor air temperature. This study shows how different façade systems of buildings significantly affect both the indoor and outdoor environments. It is revealed that, in the design process, the indoor air temperature should be considered for thermal comfort while the outdoor air temperature should be considered for UHI phenomenon.

Lignin decomposition of Oil Palm Frond by Pleurotus ostreatus with a variation of corn and rice-husk media

This study aimed to decompose lignin from oil palm midrib (OPF) bonds using the fungus Pleurotus ostreatus with various substrates (corn and rice husk). Lignin and cellulose levels before and after mushroom culture were tested by the Chesson-Datta method. Substrate variation with corn and husk rice showed that the addition of corn did not play a role in lignin decomposition. After being given treatment, the best degradation was using 0.6 grams of rice bran and 0.4 grams of CaCO3, 22.01% for lignin and 32.74% for cellulose.

Synthesis and characterization of silica xerogel from corn husk waste as cationic dyes adsorbent

Background: High corn production and consumption in Indonesia have led to massive corn husk waste. To increase the economic value of corn husk waste, innovations have utilized its silica content as an alternative source for the synthesis of multifunctional silica compounds. Methods: In this research, silica xerogel was successfully synthesized from corn husk via the sol-gel method. Its physical properties and capabilities as an adsorbent to remove cationic dyes such as crystal violet and methylene blue in wastewater were investigated for the first time. Results: The as-synthesized silica xerogel possesses an amorphous crystal structure with an average pore diameter of 6.35 nm, a Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller (BET) surface area of 363.72 m 2/g, and particle size ranging from 80 to 250 μm. The optimum contact times of silica xerogel are 90 minutes for crystal violet and 120 minutes for methylene blue adsorptions. While at the same time, the dye removal efficiencies are as high as 98.539% and 96.184%, respectively. The adsorption of both crystal violet and methylene blue on silica xerogel follows the Langmuir isotherm model and exhibits a high monolayer capacity of 69.44 mg/g and 59.17 mg/g, respectively. Conclusions: These findings suggest the great potential of silica xerogel synthesized from corn husk as a low-cost and effective cationic dye adsorbent.

Peasant strategies for the use and conservation of native corn in Juchitepec, Estado de México

Objective: To determine the evolution that native corn has had in the municipality of Juchitepec, as well as to describe and analyze the strategies that peasants families are currently implementing for its use and conservation. Design/methodology/approach: A survey was carried out with 20 peasants in the municipality of Juchitepec, chosen from a random sample obtained from the register of the Producción para el Bienestar program. Additionally, a series of semi-structured interviews were conducted with key informants, in order to identify the most important issues around corn in the region. Results: An elderly population was found (=61), but with some young people working decisively in its production units. Seventy-five percent own less than 6 ha, mostly communal land property. Eighty-nine percent of the farmers interviewed continue to grow native corn. They achieve this by adapting their practices and knowledge to the soil and climate conditions of their plots, modifying, for example, the sowing date, the variety or species cultivated, and the place of cultivation. Seventeen percent grow hybrid corn. Two native varieties have recently been introduced as a strategy to obtain greater profitability: ancho and cacahuacintle. Some practices are being modified based on the equipment and the economic resources available, such as the “de dos” labor that only 50% of the farmers carry out. Eighty percent do not have agricultural equipment. The use of chemical fertilizers and herbicides is widespread. The sale of corn husks is an economically important activity. Peasants frequently exchange seeds, usually with other members of their own community. The Ozumba market represents a vitally important marketing channel for native corn. The guaranteed prices established in 2019 were low for this type of corn. Peasants are not formally organized for corn cultivation. Sixty-five percent consider themselves peasants. Study limitations/implications: The study of local agrarian systems with a focus on peasant strategies should contemplate acting under different circumstances, preferably in several work cycles, to better understand their adaptability. Findings/conclusions: Native corn survives in the region, preserved in a socio-productive system based on peasant knowledges, strategies and socio-technical practices that enable its reproduction and recreation. Peasant strategies for the cultivation and use of these corns strengthen their conservation.

Nitrogen-fixing bacteria and organic ameliorant for corn growth and yield increment in Inceptisols

Since Inceptisols, in general, contain low soil organic matter and major plant nutrients, inorganic fertilizers are commonly added during corn cultivation. In order to maintain long-term soil health and fertility, bioferilizer and organic ameliorant application are suggested. The addition of nitrogen (N)-fixing bacteria (NFB) can benefit plant growth through the supply of available nitrogen for plant uptake. Organic ameliorants can enhance soil chemical and biological properties. A field trial had been performed to observe the effect of biofertilizer and organic ameliorant on corn growth, N status in soil and plant, and the yield and wasteof corn. The experiment was designed in a Completely Randomized Block Design that consisted of four treatments and six replications. The treatments were 1.2 kg/ha N-fixing mixed biofertilizer, 2 t/ha organic ameliorant, and mixtures of biofertilizer and ameliorant. Control plants received neither biofertilizer nor ameliorant. The experiment results found that N-fixing biofertilizer and ameliorant increased plant height, fully-developed leaves number, soil reaction and N uptake of corn compared to the control. The total-N content was slightly increased after NFB inoculation with and without amelioration over other treatments. Plots treated with biofertilizer and ameliorant produced a higher grain weight compared to the control treatment. Corn wastes such as empty corn cob and husk weight were increased in plants treated with biofertilizer, ameliorant and a combination of both. This study suggested that the combined application of biofertilizer and ameliorant produced 66% more grain yield and 84 % more cob and husk waste compared to untreated plants.